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Rosario praises Nicasio's work since return

Rosario praises Nicasio's work since return

7/20/13: Juan Nicasio throws a strong five innings, allowing only one run on three hits and striking out three against the Cubs

By Thomas Harding
/
MLB.com |

DENVER -- Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario liked the confidence that right-hander Juan Nicasio has shown in two winning starts since his return from a demotion to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Rosario said his job as a catcher is to keep Nicasio encouraged, but that can be difficult under big league pressure. Both players skipped the Triple-A level on the way to the Majors, and when they've struggled at times, both have had to deal with questions about whether they should go to Triple-A for work.

"We come from humble families, and when we got here to the Major Leagues there were a lot of people, a lot of media talking the same thing, 'If you don't pitch good, what can happen?'" Rosario said. "That's what I see. So many things can get to your mind.

"He's been a lot better. He's very talented, and he's developing in the National League."

Rosario was impressed by an often-overlooked aspect of pitching. On Dexter Fowler's two-out triple in the third inning that gave the Rockies a 3-1 lead, Nicasio had to score from first base. The inning ended shortly thereafter. Nicasio took the mound winded but pitched a solid inning.

"I told him to try to pick it up a little bit, be aggressive," Rosario said. "When you run too much, the altitude kills you -- it's hard to breathe. Two times, he had to run. When he came back to pitch, it's not easy."